Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #89
  • Lot #48
Lot #47
Lot #49

Lot 48: Evans New Model Lever Action Sporting Rifle

Incredible "Evans Sporting Rifle" Marked Nickel Plated Evans Repeating Rifle Co. New Model Lever Action Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Lot 48: Evans New Model Lever Action Sporting Rifle

Incredible "Evans Sporting Rifle" Marked Nickel Plated Evans Repeating Rifle Co. New Model Lever Action Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Estimated Price: $3,500 - $5,500
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Incredible "Evans Sporting Rifle" Marked Nickel Plated Evans Repeating Rifle Co. New Model Lever Action Rifle

Manufacturer: Evans Repeating Rifle Co
Model: Sporting
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 44 Evans
Barrel: 20 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: nickel
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 3921
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 49
Class: Antique
Description:

The Evans Repeating Rifle Co. manufactured Evans repeaters in several variations based upon designs by Warren R. Evans and his brother George F. Evans in the 1870s. It was tested by the U.S. military and some were also purchased by the Russian Empire. The early Evans held up to 38 rounds of ammunition, and the later examples still held an impressive 26-28 rounds in the integral magazine in the butt. These rifles received some renewed attention in recent years thanks to stunning high art examples sold by Rock Island Auction Company, including one now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the distinctive Evans rifle's inclusion in the award winning western video game Red Dead Redemption. Like Winchester, they offered carbines, sporting rifles, and military "muskets" and offered special presentation pieces to various popular figures to promote the guns. They manufactured both "Old Model" and "New Model Rifles." The company started to fold in 1879 and its entire stock was purchased by E.G. Ridout & Co. of Boston in August of 1881. The distinctive New Model Evans rifles with "EVANS SPORTING RIFLE" marked on their barrels are believed to have been assembled after the company went bankrupt by/for E.G. Ridout & Co. Most of these examples have the 30 inch round musket barrels fitted with sporting rifle style forends and have the sling swivels removed. E.G. Ridout & Company ran advertisements for Evans rifles with either 28 or 30 inch barrels and "saddle rifles" with 22 inch barrels in 1881 (see for example The Leavenworth Times on August 18, 1881). They made some rather fantastic claims about their safety and capabilities but did note that these rifles held more than double the number of cartridges as competing rifles. The advertisement included "unsolicited testimonials" from several western figures, including Kit Carson Jr. claiming "I have shot 60 Buffaloes at one run, and pennies from between my wife's fingers, at for paces." They offered a "$40 Rifle For Only $15." This rifle has a shorter octagon barrel than even the standard sporting rifles and carbines rather than a long "musket" barrel and has a full nickel plated finish aside from the casehardened components of the action. It may be truly one-of-a-kind. The barrel has a blued dovetailed blade front sight with brass blade and set screw, "EVANS SPORTING RIFLE." stamped in large letters on top, and a blued Evans notch and folding ladder rear sight. The Schnabel tip forearm is secured by a single screw and has triangular panels of checkering on the sides and an "88" inside. There is a "0" marked on the bottom of the frame to the left of the trigger. The bottom of the lower buttstock panel has traces of where a sling swivel was mounted. The version has the tail end of the lever curled forwards and no thumb screw catch.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 95% plus of the period retailer nickel plated finish remaining, some minor edge wear and scratches, strong blue finish on the sights, 40% original case colors remain on the action components (especially in the protected areas), and distinct "EVANS SPORTING RIFLE." marking. The forearm is fine and has distinct checkering, a small split in the forend tip, and minor dings and scratches. The buttstock sections are very fine and have light overall wear mainly consisting of some scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare and stunning Evans Sporting Rifle variant from a very noteworthy collection. You'll likely never see another one like this again!



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #64: Evans New Model Lever Action Carbine

    Lot #920: Remington Model 673 Bolt Action "Guide Rifle"

    Lot #458: Henry Repeating Arms Model H014S-223 Long Ranger with Box

    Lot #956: Henry Repeating Arms Model H010G Lever Action Rifle with Box

    Lot #456: Henry Repeating Arms Model H012GCCC Lever Action Rifle with Box

    Lot #958: Henry Repeating Arms Co. Model H012GMCC Big Boy Rifle with Box